Katie Fielder News Anchor at Dubai One.
What brought you to Dubai?
I had always been interested in visiting Dubai since seeing a documentary years ago, and then Tom's company asked us if we would consider relocating to open up an office.
How long have you been here?
It will be six years on 1st February. It's amazing how time flies.
How did you get into this profession?
I have worked in television for about 12 years now. I started off as an intern at an early morning news and current affairs programme (think 3 or 4am start, five days a week!) in Australia, and gradually worked my way up from behind the scenes to in front of the camera.
I think my experience as a production assistant and junior producer in the beginning has really helped a lot over the years. You really understand the full production process, whether you are filming a live show or a pre-recorded interview. Your mind ticks over thinking 'okay, that line was interesting, we will use that and this is the kind of footage that we'll need there. Oh hang on, that camera angle may not work, let's reshoot it like this' and so on. I'm sure there are many people who think that working as an anchor means you just waltz into work an hour before going live, whack on some make-up, pick up a script and start chatting away. And whilst that would be nice, there is so much research, production and preparation that actually go into it.
What are the best things about your job?
I love that no day is ever the same. You're always meeting new people and experiencing new things. And no matter how much you research and prepare for an interview, you always learn something new. I love that!
What are the worst things about your job?
The hours can be all over the place, which is particularly hard with a 17 month old at home. Some days I will have to be at work by 5am or 6am and other days I won't finish until late at night. I don't work full time, but the hours always change. And I always suffer from major mum guilt - whether I'm being selfish in trying to pursue a career while also trying to have a family. But I also think it's important for my son to see me challenge myself and work hard to succeed. Having that independent time helps me grow as a person, and in turn helps me teach him too.
Stand out moment in Dubai?
I've been lucky enough to enjoy some great career moments - from interviewing different celebrities and attending A-list events, but I think becoming a mum is the most amazing thing I've ever done. It really changes you. As much as the glitz and glamour seem exciting, it's moments like when he wraps his grubby little arms tightly around my neck, and pulls me in for a big hug and kiss that make my heart sing. It's listening to him chortle when he finds me after playing hide or seek, or watching him take his first wobbly steps. In some ways you don't want them to grow up - and yet you're so proud of their achievements when they do. He's addictive. I'll do anything to make him smile!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of entering your profession?
Read and write as much as you can. If you can write, you will always be useful in this industry - whether it's television, film, radio, print or online. Also, there's always going to be a reason to turn down opportunities that take you out of your comfort zone - you don't have the right experience, the right connections or the right outfit - but learn to say yes anyway. You'll either grab their attention, or at least learn from the experience along the way.
Describe a typical day
I've recently started working with a brilliant trainer called Catherine who helps whip me into shape at the crack of dawn, but most of my mornings are usually spent with my son Ben. The weather is so beautiful in Dubai right now, so we usually eat breakfast outside, go for a walk by the water and play in the park.
If I'm anchoring in the studio I'm at work by midday and spend the afternoon researching and writing scripts, cutting footage to go alongside the stories and preparing for any interviews that night. I also book interviews or reports to film later that week, so I spend a lot of time reading, writing and researching. Our show broadcasts at 7.30pm so we're finished by 8pm.
The studio is always fun, but if I'm filming on location it tends to be a bit more chaotic as I'm often needed at work by 7am for make-up and spend the day filming and writing the report, laying down a voice-over, doing a rough edit by myself in the afternoon, and then sitting with the editor in the early evening to fine tune any audio or timing issues. It's always interesting getting out and about and meeting different people, but I do miss seeing my little man on those days as I don't finish until about 7pm.
Sometimes I'll go home from here, but other times I'll have an event to attend or host that night. Tom and I do go to fewer events since having Ben, but it's also great to dress up and catch up with friends and work colleagues, and meet new people. Some of the events are pretty fun too - from dinners with Michelin Star chefs to meeting fashion queens like Charlotte Olympia or Michael Kors, interviewing and chatting with actors like Jeremy Irons or Sir Patrick Stewart, yacht parties and events at the top of the Burj Khalifa. But by midnight, its pumpkin time and we head home to catch a few hours of zzz's before the chaos starts all over again.
What is your moto?
Don't wait for the perfect moment to do something - take the moment and make it perfect.